For researchers

For researchers

Pulu Keeling National Park (PKNP) is a Commonwealth reserve under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). You will need a permit or approval to carry out scientific research, including archaeological and anthropological research, in this reserve. Depending on the nature and type of research you wish to conduct, you may need several permits.

Please answer all seven questions below to determine what permits you require to conduct your research in Pulu Keeling National Park.

If you have answered Yes to questions 1, 2, 3 or 4, you can apply for one or more of those permits by completing the application form below. This application form cannot be used to apply for permits in questions 5, 6 and 7. You will need to follow the links and separately apply for those permits.

If you have any questions please phone +61 8 9164 8700 or email the Natural Resource Manager at christmasislandnp@environment.gov.au who can advise you on research requirements for Pulu Keeling National .

1. Are you proposing to undertake scientific research inside Pulu Keeling National Park?

If Yes, you will need a permit issued under Part 12 of the EPBC Regulations or an approval forsections 354 and 354A of the EPBC Act. Please use the above application form.

2. Will your research be done on either Christmas or Coco (Keeling) Islands, outside the Pulu Keeling National Park?

If Yes, you will need approval from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. The Natural Resource Manager at Christmas Island National Park can assist you with seeking this approval. You do not need to complete a separate application if you are using the above research permit application form.

3. Will your research involve the collection of biological resources from the Pulu Keeling National Park, Christmas Island National Park or in the surrounding land/water?

If Yes, you will need a permit issued under Part 8A of the EPBC Regulations. You do not need to complete a separate application if you are using the above research permit application form. However if you are collecting samples for commercial purposes, you will also need to enter into a benefit sharing agreement.

4. Will your research involve killing, injuring or taking a member of a protected species, and/or damaging or destroying a nest or dwelling place of a member of a protected species outside Christmas Island National Park or Pulu Keeling National Park?

If Yes, you will need a permit issued under Part 9 of the EPBC Regulations. You do not need to complete a separate application if you are using the above application form.

Protected species are groups of native species identified in Schedule 12 of the EPBC Regulations. For more information please see protected species.

5. Will your research involve killing, injuring, taking, trading, keeping or moving a member of a listed threatened, migratory or marine species or an ecological community; or involve cetaceans?

the action is done inside Christmas Island National Park or Pulu Keeling National Park and is authorised under a management plan for the park (please email parksonlinefeedback@environment.gov.au to see if this applies to your research) or

the species you propose to impact upon is listed as threatened under the EPBC Act and the action is undertaken in accordance with a recovery plan that is in force (please email EPBC.permits@environment.gov.au to see if this applies to your research).